Chagres and Fort San Lorenzo, Spanish colonial fort at Chagres River mouth, Panama
Fort San Lorenzo sits where the Chagres River meets the Caribbean Sea and was a Spanish military structure with thick stone walls. The fort's strategic location and gun emplacements reveal how it was designed to control both river and sea traffic.
Spain built the fort in 1590 to defend merchant ships and treasure from pirates attacking the coast. It remained a key military outpost throughout the colonial period in this region.
The fort demonstrates how colonial Spain controlled merchant ships and protected its wealth from the sea. Walking through its passages shows the military strategy that dominated Caribbean trade for centuries.
The site is reachable by organized tours from Panama City, and visiting with a local guide helps you understand the layout and history better. The dry season offers easier access to all areas and clearer views across the river and sea.
The pirate Henry Morgan attacked the fort several times, making it one of the most feared targets in the Caribbean. These raids became legendary stories that are still told today by people living in the region.
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